30 Fun Free Things to Do with Family

Frugal Summer Activity Ideas

Summer fun doesn't have to be expensive or boring, so use your imagination, get outdoors and spend some quality time with your family using some creative ideas.

1. Roast marshmallows, wieners or biscuits over a fire. Biscuits should work as long as they're thick enough. Make smores with marshmallows, chocolate and graham wafers.
2. Make a tie-dye T-shirt, skirt or dress. Simple supplies include elastic bands, squeeze bottles, and dye. For fun, try using natural plants or spices for dyes. Beets make a beautiful bright pink or red colour and turmeric is a good choice for yellow. Make sure children are wearing plastic aprons before beginning.
3. Create colourful chalk drawings on the sidewalk with kids.
4. Go to the beach and build a sandcastle together.
5. Make a kite and fly it.
6. Go for a walk and feed the ducks in the park.
7. Pick raspberries or strawberries and have a picnic.
8. Make your own ice cream and add granola, bananas, nuts or berries for toppings.
9. Go rock climbing.
10. Invite a few people over and watch a funny movie.
11. Host a potluck dinner in your neighbourhood. This is so fun, because you get to know your neighbours and sample foods from around the world at the same time.
12. Go camping and sleep under the stars. If going camping isn't possible, consider pitching a tent in your backyard.
13. Make shish kabobs and barbecue them together. If using bamboo sticks, make sure to soak them in water first. Try peppers, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, onions, chicken, fish or pork.
14. Start a garden and plant flowers, fruits or vegetables. It's exciting when children see their plants come to life and it's good for them to see where food comes from.
15. Go for a long hike with friends or family and pick wild flowers. Look for trails in the woods or along lakes or streams.
16. Go roller-skating or skateboarding.
17. Play board games like monopoly, scrabble or operation.
18. Create your own play, musical or poetry recital together. Send invitations out and put a show on for family, friends or neighbours.
19. Go for a bike ride. Discover new trails and enjoy nature.
20. Bake cookies together.
21. Read a book and/or start a book club or exchange.
22. Hit a couple of garage sales or visit a thrift store or flea market. There might be a one-of-a-kind treasure waiting to be discovered for a buck.
23. Organize a neighbourhood garage sale.
24. Visit the library. Usually libraries also have free movies.
25. Have everyone sing their favourite songs and then record a session of karaoke. Design a cover for the CD and give it to grandma.
26. Make your own pizzas. If you have a vegetable garden, use toppings from that like tomatoes, peppers, zucchini and onions.
27. Create a craft. Fun group activities include scrap booking, paper mache, beading, friendship bracelets, decorated picture frames and candles.
28. Set up a kiddie pool and have a watergun fight.
29. Make homemade bread and take turns kneading it.
30. Play hopscotch, four square, basketball, badminton, soccer or baseball.

Finding inexpensive things to do can be challenging, but it can also be an adventure for your family. Brainstorm together and come up with more fun activities!